The birds are raising a racket in my patio garden, and I'm loving it. Spring is one of my busiest seasons, but it's also one of my favorites.

Leading into spring, I got wonderful news: Bronx Masquerade is still prominent on Ingram's Bestseller List, (Number 2 last time I checked.) A big thanks to all the readers who have spread the word! When Gorilla Goes Walking made Bank Street College's 2008 list of Best Books and The Road to Paris was chosen for the Sassquatch Children's Book Award List. Yay!

Not one to rest on my laurels, I'm cranking away on a new YA novel, which should be done any day now. April Fools! Actually, I've no idea when this book is going to be finished. Time will tell. Get it? (So, I'm in a silly mood. So what?)

March was a good month for media. The Orange County Register ran a nice feature on me, and on my newest picture book, Oh, Brother! and a radio station in Cincinnati gave me a holler. It's nice to be noticed, especially in a field as crowded as mine!

March was also a month for travel. First, to Chicago for the city-wide Open Book Program. I was in the city just in time for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. I'm still seeing green! No time to watch the parade, though. I was busy enjoying Chicago students present skits inspired by, and dramatic readings from, Bronx Masquerade. They all did a fabulous job! Next, it was off to the wilds of Cincinnati for a series of programs sponsored by the public library. Thank you, Cincinnati.

Home again, its time to settle in for a few weeks, hang around my garden, and chat up the roses—when I'm not writing, that is.

Here's hoping, wherever you are in the country, you'll soon be able to enjoy your garden, as well.

Nikki